Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/148754
needs to be automatically consolidated into an easy-to-understand graphical report template. When choosing an EPMS to assist with a modernization project, look for one that provides useful, actionable information in an easy to digest format. Today's EPMS solutions provide data in graphical formats that identify predetermined variables and allow the user to easily recognize usage or performance anomalies to make important modernization decisions. MODERNIZATION When it comes to identifying a comprehensive MEP upgrade plan, the integration capability between EPMS and building management systems (BMS) can provide great value. By implementing an EPMS that integrates with BMS, data center personnel can include mechanical system monitoring and management alongside power system data across an entire facility. The integrated platform will collect information from infrastructure pieces, including HVAC, UPS, power distribution systems (meters, motor control, variable frequency drives, etc.), generators, fire-detection, security systems, and other communicating sub-systems from hundreds of manufacturers – all on one screen. These measurements are trended over time to look for changes. When changes are detected, the information is used to investigate upgrades and respond proactively prior to experiencing service-impacting failures. This analysis is extremely useful for identifying energy-wasting or underperforming equipment, and benchmarking facility performance to rationalize investments. When first implementing these systems, Eaton recommends keeping a close eye on the following areas of an aging data center: ELECTRICAL SWITCHING OR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS Organizations can improve the performance, safety and efficiency of their switches by servicing them regularly and updating circuit breakers and relay schemes after 10 to 12 years. Additionally, as electrical systems evolve and/or equipment needs to be replaced, new solutions can be used in existing electrical rooms and space require- 10 | THE DATA CENTER JOURNAL ments to better support system uptime and efficiency. For example, new panelboard and switchboard designs include a combination of drawout main breakers, and group mounted molded case circuit breakers, and even withdrawable molded case breakers. This equipment is designed for mission critical industries that require high-density, space-saving design with front accessibility and connections. This new design makes maintenance easier and faster, and reduces downtime. Additionally, automatic transfer switches are critical components of electrical distribution systems and include contactor, breaker and bypass isolation transfer switch options to meet emergency power requirements. Today's automatic transfer switches (and other electrical distribution equipment) provide advanced monitoring, reporting and transfer control operation that was not available in the past. The data provided will help identify overstressed equipment, avoid downtime and equipment damage. They also qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) credits. POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS Installing modern rack PDUs equips older data centers to reliably and efficiently support higher power densities. In particular, 30-amp three-phase PDUs generally supply more than enough power for highdensity racks without producing excessive amounts of heat. When larger, 50-amp rack PDUs are used, the high power density of the IT equipment inside often raises rack operating temperatures above the capacity of conventional cooling systems, forcing companies to invest in expensive liquidbased cooling solutions. Updating an older data center's power distribution scheme from the PDU to the rack also provides an excellent opportunity to reposition subfloor cable runs above the server racks, where they're easier to access and less likely to weaken cooling efficiency. Another option is to implement busway, which provides increased flexibility, safety, reliability and efficiency compared to traditional cabling. Busway is engineered to accommodate changes and updates in data center floor layouts, with reusable sections and joint connections that allow busway sections to be joined to each other quickly without the use of special tools. These sec- tions can be mounted in any orientation, removed or repositioned per user requirements, and installed to run through walls and floors – providing power connection flexibility that is key to a rapidly changing data center. Replacing older UPSs with newer models is a low-risk, relatively low-cost way to boost reliability. Furthermore, it can slash energy waste too. While late-model UPSs are often as little as 80 to 82 percent efficient under standard loading conditions, newer models routinely achieve 92 to 95 percent efficiency. The latest, most advanced UPSs, meanwhile, deliver 99 percent efficiency even at light loads. CLOSING THOUGHTS Data center requirements have changed greatly in recent years. To ensure a facility is prepared to meet changing demands, organizations with data centers that are 10 years of age or older should begin identifying a plan for modernization – focusing on the MEP infrastructure, which keeps a data center running. Upgrading a vintage data center's MEP can boost reliability, efficiency, flexibility and scalability, while simultaneously reducing operational spending. It can also save companies the considerable expense of building entirely new facilities. There are also a number of additional benefits, including the improved safety levels, increased serviceability and enhanced customer perception that come along with adding new infrastructure components. Though upgrading a vintage data center isn't simple, careful planning and skilled execution can dramatically streamline the process and strengthen return on investment. By employing an EPMS solution that balances the collection of complex data with ease of use and analysis, users can easily identify key trends to make smart decisions for short and long term modernization projects. Above all, however, organizations contemplating a retrofit of an older data center's MEP infrastructure should first seek assistance from a skilled vendor with deep and relevant experience. n About the Authors: John Collins is the Global Segment Director, Data Centers at Eaton and Brandon Ekberg is the Director of Engineering at Eaton. www.datacenterjournal.com